Explore: Without Wetlands 

Sometimes, people affect the environment without even realizing it.  For example, humans can bring plants and animals from other parts of the world.  These species can take over wetlands so there is no longer room for the original plants and animals to live.

In Canada, huge areas of wetlands were filled in to develop more farmland because people did not understand the role of wetlands.  

Wetlands have important roles in the environment:

  1. Often, wetlands are compared to sponges.  They can absorb a large amount of water during heavy rainfall to help prevent flooding, and they can release the water during times of drought.
  2. In addition to absorbing and holding water, wetlands can purify the water of some pollutants.  


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  1. In addition, wetlands help remove and store greenhouse gases from our atmosphere.  

  2. Wetlands are important for preventing the erosion of soil.  They form a barrier that prevents soil from washing away from the land every time rains occur.


  1. Wetlands provide habitats to many kinds of plants and animals as well as provide safe nesting sites for many types of birds. 
  2. People also use wetlands for recreational activities such as fishing or boating. 


What Are the Various Types of Wetlands and Why do They Matter?

You will discover how such a simple landform can do so many important jobs.

Resources


  • plastic rectangular container
  • sponge
  • scissors
  • measuring cup
  • water
  • tinfoil
  • potting soil or dirt
  • pepper
  • watering can

Notebook

Click here to download the instructions for this activity. Save to your Wetlands Notebook.

  Check Your Answers

Once you have completed this activity, check your answers below. 


Section of Wetlands Digital Field Trip Resource
Answer the following questions:
Wetland Mechanisms: Erosion
  What happens to the open coast when you remove the marsh by clicking the bottom button?
  • Erosion happens much sooner.
Wetland Mechanisms: Groundwater
  How does a wetland beside a river affect the groundwater?
  • It causes the water to move more slowly so that more water enters the groundwater system.
Wetland Mechanisms: Flooding
  What happens when you flood the two rivers?
  • The river with the wetland is less flooded than the other river.
Endangered Wetlands: Habitat
  What are five animals that rely on the wetlands for habitat?
  • Bald eagle, dragonfly, moose, beaver, heron, frog, wood duck
Endangered Wetlands: Migration
  For what do migratory birds use wetlands?
  • Staging areas where they can safely moult and put on fat reserves

Conclusion:

From your activity, you should have concluded that loss of wetlands would result in the following:
  • Flooding during periods of heavy rainfall
  • Drought during dry periods
  • More pollutants entering the water supply
  • More erosion of soil from surrounding land